Providence, RI: July 7, 2014 The Rhode Island Gubernatorial Candidates Forum will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 475 Cranston Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Doors open at 5:30PM; Forum starts at 6PM. The focus will be on economic equity, security and opportunities. The forum is free and open to the public. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Marion Orr, distinguished professor of Political Science and Urban Studies at Brown University.

RIBBAs members and our community will have an opportunity to hear from all six candidates vying to succeed Governor Lincoln Chafee: Ken Block, Allan Fung, Todd Giroux, Clay Pell, Gina Raimondo and Angel Taveras. All candidates have confirmed their participation.

The purpose of this forum is to provide candidates for governor an opportunity to address policy issues vital to our community and the states future; and also help voters make informed decisions when they cast their ballots in upcoming states elections; Primary September 9, 2014 and General Election, November 4, 2014, said Lisa Ranglin, President of the Rhode Island Black Business Association.

Members of the public are invited to submit questions for consideration before Monday, July 21, 2014 at 5 PM to events@ri-bba.com, and are asked to develop questions that speak to the following categories: economic equity, security and opportunities. RIBBA is working with several organizations on the forum, including NAACP Providence Branch, Higher Ground International, NCBW 100, RI Young Professionals, Oasis International, OIC of Rhode Island, African Alliance of Rhode Island and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

The Rhode Island Black Business Association is a member-driven organization dedicated to enhancing the growth and economic empowerment of Black owned businesses by providing a forum to competitively participate in the local and global economy, primarily through business development, legislative advocacy, business mentoring, quality educational opportunities and professional development.

Note: The forum host and partner organizations, through their support of this forum, do not endorse nor support or oppose any political candidates or parties.